WHITE CENTER FIRE: Cleaning up and carrying on. Plus – ways you can help
(Also published on partner site White Center Now)
(West Seattle Blog/White Center Now photos by Patrick Sand)
36+ hours after the devastating fire in the heart of White Center’s business district, we found determined business owners at work this afternoon, cleaning up and carrying on. Above, La Tipica Oaxaqueña was doing business outside their fire-damaged space.
Out front of the LumberYard Bar, where investigators say the fire started in the basement (though as of this afternoon they still hadn’t announced exactly how), we found proprietors Nathan and Michale:
They told us they’re grateful for the overwhelming support they’ve received, including crowdfunding that’s already maxed out at $100,000+. They told us they’re determined to stay in White Center, though they’re looking around for a new space.
Also seen on 16th: A county inspector:
The county was working to determine which spaces were safe to reoccupy and which were not. Those that aren’t will have to get an independent engineer to assess safety once repairs have been made.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: As mentioned above, the LumberYard has maxed out on GoFundMe – but other campaigns have not. Here are links:
*Here’s one for the Boxing Gym
*Here’s one for staff of the affected businesses
*Here’s one for Nuggi, a boba-tea shop that was opening soon
*Here’s one for La Tipica Oaxaqueña
*Here’s one for Dottie’s Doublewide (that page notes it had new owners who were preparing to reopen)
*Here’s one for John’s Hair and Nails
*Here’s one for Rat City Tattoo
Also benefiting the new owners of Dottie’s, Endolyne Joe’s in West Seattle (9261 45th SW) plans to donate 50 percent of its 4-9 pm proceeds this Thursday (July 8th).
Other fundraisers? Please let us know – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
COUNTDOWN: Big events ahead – West Seattle Art Walk, Sidewalk Sale, mayoral forum
Three big events ahead in the West Seattle Junction:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: This one is not just in The Junction but also beyond, from Alki to Arbor Heights! Thursday, starting at 5 pm, it’s the next Second Thursday Art Walk. No closed streets again this year (usually this would be Summer Fest Eve), but lots of fun to be had. See this quarter’s venue list above – not only places where you’ll find art, but also venues offering food and drink specials to Art Walk-ers. Check the Art Walk website tomorrow for this month’s full preview.
Then on Friday and Saturday – outdoor shopping!
SIDEWALK SALE: Long before there was Summer Fest (which WILL return next year!), there was the midsummer Sidewalk Sale – and this year it’s back, Friday and Saturday (July 9-10) – more than two dozen businesses are participating (and we’re told there’ll be some pop-ups too). Here’s the full preview.
And a reminder …
MAYORAL CANDIDATES’ FORUM: As previewed last night – Saturday at noon, WSB and the Junction Association are co-sponsoring the only pre-primary forum devoted entirely to West Seattle issues. We invited all 15 candidates to the forum at the Senior Center of West Seattle; nine have RSVP’d. Best way to watch is online, as we’ll be streaming to YouTube and social-media channels as well as here on WSB; limited in-person seating will be available for a few vaccinated spectators, first-come first-served (doors open at 11:30 and will close at 11:50).
UPDATE: Driver vs. pole on Beach Drive
4:12 PM: Thanks for the tips. Avoid Beach Drive near Cormorant Cove Park [map] for a while – a driver hit a pole and a traffic hazard ensued. We’re on our way there to find out more.
(WSB photo)
4:22 PM: As shown in our photo, Beach Drive is closed both ways at the crash scene. … The man who was driving the car is being taken to the hospital by private ambulance.
(Photo sent by Al/Joan)
4:35 PM: City Light is on scene.
7:21 PM: Finally got back over to check – all clear.
SURVEY: Highway 99 tunnel tolls are increasing. Choose one of two options
We reported back in May that the state Transportation Commission was starting the process of preparing for increases in tolls and ferry fares. We’ve since reported on the ferry-fare proposal. Now the commission has a survey open on proposed toll increases for facilities including the Highway 99 tunnel.
They’re looking for feedback on two options for raising toll rates starting October 1st, to cover a revenue gap. The two options: 15 percent for all dayparts, or 25 cents for all dayparts. Go here to offer your opinion by July 14th.
WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Abandoned bicycle; two hit-runs
In West Seattle Crime Watch:
ABANDONED BICYCLE: Ruth Anne says that Peugeot bicycle was abandoned on Puget Ridge near South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) in April, and she’s tried a variety of ways to find its owner, So farm no luck, so she’s trying here too. If you think it’s yours, we’ll connect you.
HIT-RUN #1: From Mike, who says this happened around 8:40 last night:
I wanted to report a hit and run that totaled the front end of my car on 39th and Stevens in Admiral. Luckily no one was hurt and the person was caught by SPD. But I really wanted to give a huge shout-out to my neighbors, who all came out of their house to share video doorbell footage, told me what they saw, and help clean up the debris on the street. One my neighbors who got outside first, flagged down another neighbor who was driving by, and it was that neighbor who was driving followed the vehicle, called the police while she driving and got the police to stop the person who hit my car. It’s good to know that even we’re in a big city, we still have good neighbors that come together and help each other out.
HIT-RUN #2: SA reports this happened Saturday:
I was in my living room when I heard the sound of multiple impacts on vehicles. I ran out the front door in time to hear tires screech as somebody sped off south, and saw a white car pull over with the driver emerging. His car was pretty damaged, leaking radiator fluid everywhere, and he was very shaken.
Apparently a black or dark gray Toyota (Camry?) hit him from behind, and pushed him into the blue Ford truck (parked), which ramped the curb and came to rest partly blocking the road. The victim then tried to steer away from the Camry and veered into the parked Ford Focus which was facing north in the south-bound lane. That car was also leaking radiator fluids.
This was reported to SPD but we don’t have the incident number, so far.
NIGHT OUT: Block parties are back, August 3rd
In case you were wondering, Night Out officially makes its comeback this year. The night of block parties celebrating community safety and neighborhood collaboration will again be the first Tuesday in August – that’s August 3rd. Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner just sent word, including the RSVP link if you’re planning to close your non-arterial street for Night Out. You can contact her at jennifer.danner@seattle.gov if if interested in swag, crime-prevention handouts, or other materials for distribution at Night Out.
SUMMER: Nonprofit Camp Invention next week in West Seattle
Still seeking summer camp? A STEM-focused nonprofit-presented program in West Seattle next week has room. Here’s the announcement:
Empower your child’s confidence and creativity this summer in person at the Camp Invention Recharge Program being held at Summit Atlas School in West Seattle July 12-16. Camp Invention in a non-profit, STEM blended enrichment program led by local teachers that offers exciting STEM challenges that inspire K-6 children to bring their imaginations to life. Register today at invent.org/mylocalcamp. Limited scholarship assistance is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Will Nelson wanelson@seattleschools.org to inquire. Before- and after-care is available.
Library reopening, free concert, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
(The silent “fireworks” of a dill flower, photographed by Brian Michel)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
LIBRARY REOPENS: Today is the first day of in-building services at the West Seattle (Admiral) branch (2326 42nd SW), 10 am-6 pm.
LIFELONG RECREATION: Today starts the first of several recreation/fitness classes spotlighted by Seattle Parks this summer, Zumba outdoors at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), 10 am.
POP-UP BLOOD-DONATION DRIVE: 10 am-5 pm, Bloodworks Northwest is at Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you can donate, check to see if appointments are available.
DEMONSTRATION: Organizer Scott‘s weekly announcement:
Black Lives Matter sign-waving
Tuesday, July 6, 4 to 6 p, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden
Thursday, July 8, 4 to 6 p, corner of 16th SW and SW Holden
Come build awareness & stimulate actions to tear down the systems that have oppressed Black lives for over 400 years on this continent. Hold signs, meet neighbors and stand for racial justice. Scott at Puget Ridge Cohousing, endorsed by Hate-Free Delridge. Signs available.
FREE CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT: 7:30 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW), members of the Seattle Crescendo Chamber Music Project performing music by Dohnányi, Gardel, Mendelssohn, and Saint-Saens. Dessert reception in the courtyard afterward. Get your free ticket(s) and find out more by going here. (A livestream is also planned, here.)
Got something for our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRAFFIC: Tuesday post-holiday notes
6:56 AM: Good morning, Today’s forecast calls for sunshine after the morning fog, with a high temperature possibly into the 80s.
ROAD WORK
Delridge project – Here’s what’s planned this week.
36th/Oregon – Closure continues for repairs following heat damage.
TRANSIT
Buses and ferries are back to their regular schedules today. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of bus cancellations, @wsferries for major WSF changes.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
470th morning without the West Seattle Bridge. Here are the views of other bridges and routes:
Low Bridge: 26th week for automated enforcement cameras; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends, when the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available for some categories of drivers.)
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
And the 1st Avenue South Bridge (map):
For the South Park Bridge (map), here’s the nearest camera:
Are draw/swing bridges opening for boats or barges? See the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed. (1st Ave. South Bridge openings also are tweeted on @wsdot_traffic.)
See all local traffic cams here; locally relevant cameras are also on this WSB page.
Trouble on the streets/paths/bridges/water? Please let us know – text (but not if you’re driving!) 206-293-6302.
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